CEN/TR 17207:2018

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2018
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Playground and recreational areas - Framework for the competence of playground
inspectors
Spielplatz- und Freizeitbereiche - Kompetenzrahmen von Spielplatzprüfern
Aires de jeux et de loisirs - Cadre définissant les compétences des inspecteurs d’aires
de jeux
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 17207:2018
ICS:
97.200.40 ,JULãþD Playgrounds
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

CEN/TR 17207
TECHNICAL REPORT
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
July 2018
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
ICS 97.200.40
English Version
Playground and recreational areas - Framework for the
competence of playground inspectors
Aires de jeux et de loisirs - Cadre définissant les Spielplatz- und Freizeitbereiche - Kompetenzrahmen
compétences des inspecteurs d'aires de jeux von Spielplatzprüfern

This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 26 February 2018. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC
136.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 17207:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements for inspections . 11
4.1 General . 11
4.2 Levels of inspections . 11
4.3 Other inspection activities . 11
4.3.1 General . 11
4.3.2 Post-accident inspection . 11
4.3.3 Mid-installation surveillance . 11
4.3.4 Pre-Installation consultation . 11
4.4 Inspection report . 12
4.4.1 Contract between inspector and the purchaser of the inspection . 12
4.4.2 General information . 12
4.4.3 Inspection outcome . 13
4.4.4 Quality of inspection report . 13
5 Requirements for inspectors . 14
5.1 General . 14
5.2 Levels of knowledge. 14
5.3 Learning goals for level 3 . 17
5.3.1 General . 17
5.3.2 Standards / Technical reports . 17
5.3.3 Risk analysis / Risk benefit analysis . 17
5.3.4 Technical production . 18
5.3.5 Child development . 18
5.3.6 Environmental issues / Layout design . 18
5.3.7 Legislation: national laws / Jurisdiction / Responsibilities . 19
5.4 Cooperation with other parties . 19
5.4.1 General . 19
5.4.2 Code of conduct and ethics . 19
Annex A (informative) Introduction to children's play and development . 22
Annex B (informative) Risk assessment . 23
B.1 Risk assessment . 23
B.2 Advantages of risk assessment . 24
B.3 Risk-benefit analysis . 25
Annex C (informative) Risk analyses . 26
C.1 Examples of risk analyses . 26
C.2 Method 1 . 27
C.2.1 General . 27
C.2.2 Method 1 risk assessment . 28
C.3 Method 2 . 28
C.4 Method 3 . 30
C.4.1 General . 30
C.4.2 Method 3 risk assessments for 5 identified hazards . 32
Annex D (informative) Use of probes . 33
Bibliography . 34

European foreword
This document (CEN/TR 17207:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 136 “Sports,
playground and other recreational facilities and equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Introduction
During the process of reviewing the EN 1176 series it became clear to the CEN/TC 136/SC 1 committee
that there is a broad spectrum of competence in inspectors of playground environments. With the
specific elements involved in play, such as equipment, environment, children, etc., an inspection of a
playground environment is not solely a “technical” inspection but also requires knowledge of how and
why children of all abilities play from the inspector. Inspectors need to understand the way children
play, interact, evolve and develop to be able to make informed, balanced decisions about the safety of
the play environment.
EN 1176-1 states: “Risk taking is an essential feature of play provision and of all environments in which
children legitimately spend time playing. Play provision should aim to offer children the chance to
encounter acceptable risks as a part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled learning environment.
Play provision should aim at managing the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep
children safe from serious harm.” The aim should be to provide as much play value as possible and as
little safety as necessary.
In this vision on the safety of playground environments it is essential that the inspector doesn’t only
know the technical content of the related standards, but also understands why and how to make risk
assessments and/or a risk benefit analysis.
After reviewing methods of inspections around the Europe, it seems there are three main principal
ways in use:
1) Inspection of the entire play environment is including conformity of equipment and the extent of
the impact attenuating surfacing area, maintenance defects, ancillary items and be combined with a
risk assessment.
2) Checking the equipment and environment based on a risk assessment alone. This can be described
as a global inspection of the minimal level of safety of the equipment and play environment.
3) Checking the equipment referencing the relevant standards and technical reports. Broadly this can
be described as a ‘conformity inspection’. This option specifically excludes the play environment
because there is no standard available for it.
The recommended approach is the first, which is broadly applicable in Europe; it is acknowledged by
authors of this European Technical report that cultural differences play an important role in the
inspection process and outcome. Each member state should publish this Technical Report, the
implementation of the guidance is determined at a National level.
Regardless to popularity of method three, checking the equipment without identifying hazards,
undertaking risk assessment and/or risk-benefit analysis, is a very restrictive inspection. The outcome
of this option can be in contradiction with the statement about risk taking in the introduction of
EN 1176-1.
The way in which children play and the public perception of children’s play varies from country to
country and with this in mind it is vital that the inspector is aware of the cultural differences that exist.
The inspector will need to be familiar with what is an acceptable level of risk or challenge for the
country in which they are employed or contracted.
For example, there is a big difference in the approach on the subject of water in the direct
neighbourhood of play environment in the Netherlands compared to other countries in the EU. This is a
result of the never ending struggle in The Netherlands to acquire more space to live. And so building
“on” or in the close proximity of water is a necessity. Children are educated from early age on how to
deal with this potential danger in their daily lives and have from early age an elevated awareness of this
danger.
Cultural and socioeconomic differences cannot and may never be an argument to withhold children
from a beneficial risk/challenge while playing.
This document is based on the text contained within EN 1176 series and the working group accepts that
there may be variations in working practices in different countries. Irrespective of established systems,
inspectors need to have necessary competence to undertake the tasks.
The lack of safety knowledge by some product and layout designers cannot be compensated for by the
expertise of inspectors. Operators responsible for several playgrounds need some level of knowledge as
well. Installers will at least have correctly detailed technical documents to work with but a basic level of
knowledge about safety could help to solve problems arising during installation. Manufacturers should
have a high level of knowledge. In general, safety relates to everything from the inception of a
playground project to the end of its lifecycle.
1 Scope
This framework forms a guideline for the education, examination and evaluation of the inspectors’
competence concerning public playground and recreational sports environments. For each specific task
an inspector may need to perform, this guideline describes the knowledge required and also sets out
the basic level of knowledge necessary.
The standard EN 1176 parts 1 and 7 detail the different types or levels of inspections required to help
provide a play environment that is suitable for children to play in. The different types of inspections
demand different levels of knowledge; these are:
— routine visual inspection;
— operational inspection;
— annual main inspection;
— post-installation inspection.
As well as these inspections identified in the standard there are also other inspections or activities that
are useful in helping to ensure the safe operation of a play environment:
— post-accident inspection;
— pre-installation consultation;
— mid-installation surveillance.
In this guideline there is a broad explanation of what these inspections are and how they should be
performed.
This guideline doesn’t cover the competence of staff conducting product certification.
Due to the variety of items that can be encountered in the playground environment this guideline can be
used to evaluate an inspector’s competence for the following equipment e.g.:
— playground equipment (EN 1176-1, −6, 1-10 and −11);
— roller-sport infrastructures (EN 14974);
— multi-sport arenas (EN 15312);
— outdoor exercise equipment (EN 16630);
— bouldering walls (EN 12572-2);
— portable and permanent socketed goals (EN 16579);
— parkour facilities (EN 16899);
— adventure playgrounds.
This Technical Report is not intended for:
— toys (EN 71 series);
— rope courses (EN 15567 series);
— inflatable play equipment (EN 14960).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1176-1:2017, Playground equipment and surfacing — Part 1: General safety requirements and test
methods
EN 1176 (all parts), Playground equipment and surfacing
EN ISO 12100, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
(ISO 12100)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
inspector
competent person qualified to undertake inspections of play environments
3.2
competence
having suitable and sufficient training, skill and knowledge to perform the task
3.3
routine visual inspection
inspection intended to identify obvious hazards that can result from normal use, vandalism or weather
conditions
Note 1 to entry: Typical hazards can take the form of broken parts or broken bottles.
3.4
operational inspection
inspection, more detailed than routine visual inspection, to check the operation and stability of the
equipment
Note 1 to entry: Typical checks include an examination for wear.
3.5
annual main inspection
inspection intended to establish the overall level of safety of equipment, foundations and playing
surfaces
Note 1 to entry: Typical checks include the effects of weather, evidence of rotting or corrosion and any change
in the level of safety of the equipment as a result of repairs made, or of added or replaced components.
3.6
post-installation inspection
inspection undertaken prior to the opening of a playground for public use, intended to assess the
equipment and environment and to assess the overall level of safety of the playground environment
3.7
post-accident inspection
inspection undertaken after a serious injury on a playground to assess the safety of the area and to help
assist in determining if any immediate works are required
3.8
inspection report
document produced as a result of an inspection to a predetermined or agreed specification
3.9
playground environment
area, open to public access containing the play equipment, ancillary items, landscaping and/or natural
features
3.10
playground equipment
equipment and structures, including components and constructional elements with, or on which,
children can play outdoors or indoors, either individually or in groups, according to their own rules or
own reasons for playing which can change at any time
Note 1 to entry: Definition from EN 1176-1.
3.11
adventure playground
fenced, secured playgrounds run and staffed in accordance with the widely accepted principles that
encourage children’s development and often use self-build equipment
3.12
knowledge
understanding of information achieved by experience and study
3.13
risk assessment
process including a combination of risk analysis, risk evaluation and optional risk-benefit analysis with
the purpose of determining a quantitative or qualitative value related to circumstances resulting in a
hazard
Note 1 to entry: Regarding playground equipment a risk assessment is the determination of quantitative or
qualitative value of risk related to a specific situation and an identified hazard. Quantitative risk assessment
requires calculations of three components of risk (R): The severity of the potential injury (S), the probability of the
incident occurring (P) and the exposure to the hazard (E).
R= S * PE*
3.14
safety
achieved state in the absence of unacceptable risk
Note 1 to entry: Safety is achieved by reducing risk to a tolerable level.
Note 2 to entry: Safety is often misunderstood by the general public as the state of being protected from all
hazards. Instead safety is the state of being protected from recognized hazards that are likely to cause harm.
3.15
risk
combination of harm occurring and the severity of injury that may occur
Note 1 to entry: Some level of risk is inherent in playgrounds. The challenge involved in use of equipment is
considered to be beneficial to the users.
3.16
harm
injury or damage to the health of people
3.17
hazard
potential source of harm
3.18
acceptable risk
level of risk which is tolerable in a given context (public park vs. kindergarten for example) based on
the current values of society
3.19
activity area
general term for areas where inspections take place covering but not limited to playground equipment,
fitness equipment, wheel sports etc
3.20
child development
multifaceted, integral, and continual process of change in which children become able to handle ever
more complex levels of moving, thinking, feeling, and relating to others
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A for additional information about child development.
3.21
residual risk
remaining risk after risk reduction measures (protective measures) have been taken
Note 1 to entry: Following risk reduction measures, the residual risk is less than or equal to acceptable risk,
thus providing safety.
3.22
risk analysis
systematic use of available information to identify hazards and to eliminate risk
3.23
risk evaluation
procedure based on the risk analysis to determine whether a tolerable risk has been achieved
3.24
risk-benefit analysis
weighing the risk associated with a particular activity against the benefits it provides in terms of
positive experiences, developmental value and learning
3.25
operator
person(s) or organization(s) which allows a product to be used
3.26
owner
person(s) or organization(s) which has legal title to the product to be used
Note 1 to entry: Owner can also operate the activity area, but not necessarily.
3.27
entrapment
type of hazard where a body, part of a body, clothing, or other element on or attached to a person can
become entrapped, caught, or drawn-in resulting in the potential for injury
Note 1 to entry: Entrapment most often occurs in a completely bound opening.
3.28
user information
instructions, warning labels, or other written documentation provided by the manufacturer and
operator regarding use of the product, as well as issues of potential residual risk
3.29
signal colours
colours that are used to indicate a level of risk
Note 1 to entry: There are two colour systems:
— Traffic light system GREEN — YELLOW — RED
— Signal colour system LIGHT BLUE — GREEN — AMBER — RED — PURPLE
3.30
serious injury
injury or consequence that normally requires hospitalisation and will affect functioning for more than
6 months or lead to a permanent loss of function
Note 1 to entry: This definition comes from level 3 injury in Commission Decision 2010/15/EU (RAPEX).
4 Requirements for inspections
4.1 General
The level of competence required to carry out different levels of inspections are as follows:
— Level 1: competence for routine visual inspection.
— Level 2: competence for operational inspection.
— Level 3: competence for annual main inspection, pre-Installation consultation, mid-installation
surveillance, post-installation inspection and post-accident inspection.
NOTE For requirements of levels of competences see 5.1, Levels of knowledge.
4.2 Levels of inspections
There are three levels of inspections recognized by EN 1176-7: routine visual inspection, operational
inspection and annual main inspection. In addition to these, there are other types of inspections or
activities: post-installation inspection, post-accident inspection.
Detailed information about these levels of inspections can be found from EN 1176-7.
4.3 Other inspection activities
4.3.1 General
There are other activities that inspectors commonly carry out but which are not explained in detail in
EN 1176-7.
Inspectors are responsible for maintaining and calibrating the required test equipment according to the
specifications in EN 1176 series.
4.3.2 Post-accident inspection
After serious accident government officials, insurance companies, manufacturers or operators may
choose to carry out post-accident inspection. This report is usually only for the instance who ordered it
and is carried out by expert, who has years of experience from safety inspections and can determine if
any immediate works are required to ensure the safe operation of the equipment or area.
4.3.3 Mid-installation surveillance
Certain safety features should be checked before completion of the area.
Features that can’t be checked at all after completion of works: For example if synthetic surfacing is
used, foundations; drainage etc.
Failures that are difficult or almost impossible to correct after completion of works: For example
correct placement and height of equipment.
4.3.4 Pre-Installation consultation
Cooperation between fellow professionals (designer, inspector) to assess the design and layout of the
area prior to building works commencing can result in benefits at many levels.
4.4 Inspection report
4.4.1 Contract between inspector and the purchaser of the inspection
When inspections are ordered, the inspector should make a contract with the purchaser including at
least the following information:
— scope of inspection (what is to be inspected, what will not be inspected);
— type of inspection (annual main, post-installation, etc.);
— outcome of inspection (compliance with the standard, risk assessment, corrective measures);
— method of reporting (paper, online service, pdf to e-mail etc.);
— schedule in case the contract is about one inspection such as post-installation inspection;
— legal obligations of each party;
— mention inspector’s liability insurance;
— disclaimers if relevant (for example not inspecting sub-terrain structures under solid surfacing).
Accredited inspection bodies need to meet the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17020.
4.4.2 General information
In addition to what is required from the test report in EN 1176-1:2017, Clause 5, inspector should take
care of the following:
— location of the area (address);
— date and time of inspection;
— date of completion of the report and signature (digital in some cases);
— inspection time weather conditions / indoor location;
— the area’s owner’s and/or operator’s contact information;
— purchaser of the inspection in case not the owner or operator;
— scope of inspection (what was inspected, what was not inspected);
— identification of the inspector;
— inspection criteria (standards, laws, risk assessment method etc.).
It may be beneficial to make a short summary of the contract which was written when the inspection
was purchased.
4.4.3 Inspection outcome
For each item inspected, following pieces of information can be included:
— name of the manufacturer or distributor of the equipment;
— photograph has to be of a good quality showing both the location in the equipment and the detail of
non-compliance;
— reference to the applicable requirement with a short description of its content OR a detailed
description about its content;
— all non-compliances of any significance should be reported with related risk assessment;
— all maintenance defects affecting the general level of safety need to be reported.
The inspector should be careful when providing recommendations as if they are misunderstood or
executed incorrectly, new hazards could be created (see 5.3. paragraph 2). The inspector may give
recommendations for the method of correction but should mention (perhaps in the explanatory notes of
the inspection template) that there are probably other ways to deal with the situation too.
In case the contract stipulates that the environment of the playground needs to be inspected too, the
inspection record should have a separate section about these including, for instance:
— condition of fence, gate and other auxiliary items;
— nearby risks affecting to playground’s overall safety level (street, river, cliff);
— existence of poisonous or hostile plants (trees with semi-dead branches, hedgerow);
— sufficiency of lights and the condition of their electrical components;
— playground signage.
4.4.4 Quality of inspection report
The report needs to have sufficient clarity and quality to present a meaningful and understandable
document to the recipient. This could include for instance
— Pictures in the report will have sufficient quality and size to reflect the remark clearly.
— Cropping of the image should be as such that the detail is clear but image also shows where in the
equipment the problem is. If necessary, two images should be used (one large scale, second about
the detail).
— Language used needs to be clear and comprehensible.
Black/white prints or pdf-files scanned from printed paper should not be used as main means of
delivery.
5 Requirements for inspectors
5.1 General
As well as the equipment mentioned in this guideline other items that are on and around the play
environment may need to be assessed depending on their interaction with the play environment where
users can access these features for informal play e.g. gates, fences, plants, natural play features, rocks,
boulders landscape features, art features, etc. Because these features are not encompassed within the
standard for playground equipment they will require risk assessment; but knowledge of the meaning
and intention of the standard forms a vital part of it.
The inspector’s task is to assess the general level of safety of the play environment and the equipment
provided based on the safety level as it was at the time of installation. The format of the inspection and
the report which will form the outcome of the inspection will be defined between the provider of the
inspection and the client (owner/operator).
The owner/operator should be advised to make a detailed specification so that there is a minimal
chance of confusion on the content of the task.
5.2 Levels of knowledge
The level of knowledge required will vary with the type of inspection being undertaken. The Table 1
details the levels of knowledge. Tables 2 to 7 should be read together with Table 1 to clarify what
various knowledge levels mean in practice.
Table 1 — Level of knowledge necessary for each level of inspection
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
competence competence competence
standards/technical reports — B H
risk analysis/risk benefit analysis — M / — H
technical production B H H
child development — B H
environmental issues/layout
B M H
design
legislation: national laws /
— / — / B M H
jurisdiction / responsibilities
NOTE    Expert level of knowledge is not demanded for playground inspector, but some individuals may be

experts at some fields of expertise. These may be consulted when a specific question arises.
Key
— (Minimal) Next to none
B (Basic) Rudimentary understanding
M (Medium) Moderate extent of understanding
H (High) Detailed and profound understanding
E (Experts) Highest possible level of understanding knowledge
When carrying out inspection, different levels of knowledge mean in practice what is listed in Tables 2
to 7.
NOTE The colours of cells in the second rows of Tables 2 to 7 indicate the level of competence (levels 1 to 3 in
Table 1) which requires that level of knowledge.
Table 2 — Knowledge levels of standards / technical reports
Minimal Basic Medium High Expert

Know that Know Know Detailed Comprehensive
standards exist. fundamentals fundamentals of knowledge of all knowledge of all
about impact all relevant relevant relevant
area, falling standards and standards, ability standards and
protection, able to apply to use test able to identify
entrapments. onsite. equipment such non-compliances
as probe set (see onsite and apply
Annex D) and able to the design
to identify non- process.
compliances
onsite.
Table 3 — Knowledge levels of risk analysis / risk benefit analysis
Minimal Basic Medium High Expert

No knowledge By using own By using a pre- Able to identify Able to identify
required. thinking, able to determined risk risk and prepare a use several
identify level matrix with detailed varying methods
commonly found examples, able to assessment of risk assessment
risks in identify risks. identifying to provide a
playgrounds and potential hazards detailed
apply a simple and incorporate assessment and
risk level to them. preventive or incorporating
control measures. preventive or
control measures.
Table 4 — Knowledge levels of technical production
Minimal Basic Medium High Expert

Understand that Recognize Recognize Recognize all Qualified
there are different commonly used materials, fixing materials, identify engineer with
materials with materials and methods; be able fixing methods experience in
different know their basic to identify wear, and their design and
properties. properties. rot or corrosion. weaknesses, and manufacture of
be able to identify playground
levels of wear, rot equipment and
and corrosion and surfacing.
to recommend
preventative or
control measures.
Table 5 — Knowledge levels of child development
Minimal Basic Medium High Expert

Understand that Understand the Understand the Understand needs Qualified person
children develop basic principles of main principles of of children likely to have a
different skills how play assists how play assists regarding playing university level
gradually as they child child and risk, how degree in child
grow. development. development and children develop development.
why some level of various skills and
risk can be what needs less
beneficial. Also competent
basics of needs of children have.
less competent
children.
Table 6 — Knowledge levels of environmental issues
Minimal Basic Medium High Expert

No specific Able to identify In addition to In addition to Expertise
requirements. unhygienic basic knowledge, previous, (qualifycations)
objects, to identify trip knowledge of can be obtained
recognize if loose hazards, gate different types on some specific
fill levels are low closure problems and properties of aspect such as
or damages to and other changes playground HIC testing,
other types of in environment surfacing and vegetation or
surfacing and that could cause ability to assess water quality. But
playground hazards. the condition of in general,
surrounds. the surfacing, knowledge about
understanding of environ-mental
hazards that can issues can only
be created by reach a level that
water, vehicular is considered
traffic or any high.
other
environmental
aspect.
Table 7 — Knowledge levels of national laws / jurisdiction / responsibilities
Minimal Basic Medium High Expert

Know that laws Know Know Reasonable Qualified solicitor
exist. fundamental fundamental knowledge of or barrister.
service and service and applicable laws
product liabilities. product liabilities, and
understand the understanding of
impact these may how these would
have on the play be applied to the
facility. provision and
operation of play
facilities.
5.3 Learning goals for level 3
5.3.1 General
In this section, each point of knowledge is detailed to specific learning goals which an inspector should
master in order to be considered competent. Structure follows Tables 2 to 7.
5.3.2 Standards / Technical reports
The inspector should demonstrate at least the following abilities:
— To reference the standards / technical reports and show adequate knowledge and understanding of
these. This will include, but not exclusively, the major measurements, test methods for entrapment
and the use of templates, rods and probes, materials, substances, protection against falling, means
of access, free space, falling space and zoning, ropes and chains, stairs etc.
— To know about additional requirements and test methods for all types of equipment, installations,
different types and methods of inspection and schedules, reports and documentation, safety
requirements and test methods for Impact attenuating surfaces (IAS).
— To have sufficient knowledge about dangerous substances, flammability, foundations and loading,
structural design and use of directives.
— To have practical ability to identify faults and problems.
5.3.3 Risk analysis / Risk benefit analysis
The inspector should demonstrate at least the following abilities:
— To carry out risk assessment based on a systematic method which yields consistent results.
— To explain the reasoning behind the assessment.
— To identify preventive or control measures.
— To undertake risk-benefit analysis.
— To have knowledge of the different types, styles, varying severity and frequency of accidents within
the playground environment.
— To recognize the types of accidents that may occur on various types of equipment and to
understand the need for risk management.
5.3.4 Technical production
The inspector should demonstrate at least the following abilities:
— To have knowledge of the various ranges and manufacturers of equipment commonly found in
playgrounds.
— To have an understanding of the major production and treatment processes, together with their
strengths and weaknesses.
— To understand the concept of IAS and to have knowledge of the surfaces commonly available and
the strengths and weaknesses of each type.
5.3.5 Child development
The inspector should demonstrate at least the following abilities:
— To have knowledge about children’s development and how this influences their play and actions in
play environments.
— To have knowledge about how different types of play environment and play equipment interact
with children’s activities and actions.
— To have knowledge about how children’s play and development can be supported and facilitated by
affordances in the play environment and stimulating play equipment.
— To have knowledge about how a play environment can be designed to meet all children’s (gender,
age, level of functioning) needs for play, development and learning.
— To understand children’s need to encounter risks and how that contributes to their development.
5.3.6 Environmental issues / Layout design
The inspector should demonstrate at least the following abilities:
— To understand the design and layout principles of playgrounds.
— To understand need for separation between playground and other recreational sporting activities.
— To analyse and make constructive criticism on both proposed and existing playgrounds and/or
plans regarding for instance the need for separation of ages and movement flows.
— To understand faults and problems with ancillary equipment including fences, gates, litterbins etc.
— To understand advantages and disadvantages of commonly used surfacing materials.
— To identify common plants and vegetation with their potential hazards in or near to children’s
playgrounds.
5.3.7 Legislation: national laws / Jurisdiction / Responsibilities
The inspector should demonstrate at least the following abilities:
— To understand the needs for, and requirements of, inspection and record keeping.
— To know what local or national laws apply and to understand their range and implications.
— To know how to deal with the public, children and self.
— To recognize the vulnerable situations each of the foregoing may find themselves in
— To identify ways of reducing personal risk in various potentially difficult situations.
NOTE When working around children, inspector’s motives of being around playgrounds and taking
photographs can be questioned.
5.4 Cooperation with other parties
5.4.1 General
The operator hires an inspector as expert to provide information concerning hazards and risks at a
playground. The inspector inspects both equipment and the layout and produces a report.
If the design of equipment is to be changed, the manufacturer needs to be consulted; in the absence of
the original manufacturer a competent person should be consulted.
The best results are normally achieved when operator, manufacturer and inspector cooperate openly.
The following general points should be kept in mind:
— The operator may choose to reduce the level of risk involved in the use of equipment even if no
significant risk is apparent.
— All parties (layout designer, installer, manufacturer, inspector etc.) should take part to costs of their
mistake.
— The better the inspector rationalises their comments in the report, the less likely they are to be
challenged.
5.4.2 Code of conduct and ethics
The purpose of this clause is to promote the highest standards of professional practice, responsibility
and ethics within the play inspection profession.
At all times inspectors will uphold the good standing and reputation of the profession, and in their
fulfilling their daily responsibilities will:
— Ensure that the health and safety of users is the primary purpose for any inspection.
— Comply with all statutory and other legal requirements of the country in which they work.
— Not misuse their authority or office for personal or other gain.
Inspectors need to observe the following standards:
a) General Conduct
Inspectors will always conduct themselves in such ways as are appropriate for gaining the respect of
the general public, their clients, their employers, manufacturers and inspectors of their own and other
organisations with whom they come into contact.
b) Application of Skills
Inspectors need to use the
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